Although I haven't completed one recently, I've completed 14 marathons (never fast enough to qualify for Boston.) My fastest time was 3 hours and 40 minutes in Portland. Twice I came within a minute of my best time (once in Vancouver, once in Las Vegas.) It never once occurred to me that I would be in any danger in crossing the finish line. It was always a moment of joy and happiness.
This picture was attached to a tweet from George Takei. I like this quote from Fred Rogers: